Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — The Philadelphia Eagles have made another roster adjustment ahead of training camp, parting ways with two young defensive players after a brief offseason evaluation.
The team waived defensive back Brandon Johnson and linebacker Chandler Martin, signaling how competitive the roster has become as the summer approaches. While neither move drastically alters the team’s outlook, both reflect the Eagles’ focus on building a healthy, flexible, and immediately productive squad.
Johnson’s departure stands out because he had already reached the active roster despite entering the league as an undrafted player. Born in Newton, North Carolina, the 5-foot-10 defensive back built his reputation on versatility, playing cornerback, nickel, and safety roles during his college career at Duke and later Oregon. His final season with the Ducks included a Big Ten championship, boosting his profile before the 2025 draft.
Despite going undrafted, Johnson earned a chance with Philadelphia and spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad. He was eventually promoted late in the year and made his NFL debut against Washington. In limited action across three games, he recorded three tackles and one pass defended, showing flashes of potential.
However, his progress was halted by an ankle injury in the final game of the 2025 season. Although the Eagles signed him to a reserve-future contract in January 2026, giving him another opportunity to compete, the team ultimately waived him on June 16 to create roster space. The decision appeared to be driven more by roster needs and health considerations than a lack of talent.
Chandler Martin’s situation was even more complicated. The linebacker, born in Lithonia, Georgia, had an impressive college career, first at East Tennessee State and later at Memphis. Across two seasons with the Tigers, he recorded over 200 tackles and 10 sacks, earning First-Team All-AAC honors twice and Defensive MVP recognition at the 2024 Frisco Bowl.
Like Johnson, Martin went undrafted in 2025 and signed with the Baltimore Ravens. He saw limited action on special teams before suffering a torn ACL late in his rookie season. The injury significantly impacted his development and future prospects.
Philadelphia signed Martin in March 2026, intrigued by his athleticism and production. However, his time with the Eagles proved unstable. He was waived, re-signed, and then waived again within a short span in June, with the final move tied to a failed physical related to his ACL recovery.
Ultimately, Martin’s readiness—not his ability—became the deciding factor. For players competing for depth roles, especially on special teams, availability is critical. The Eagles could not afford to wait while other healthy players competed for roster spots.
Together, Johnson and Martin highlight how quickly roster decisions can shift in the NFL. Both players showed promise but faced setbacks due to injuries and timing. As the Eagles prepare for another demanding season, the message is clear: potential alone is not enough—availability and immediate impact are essential.
